The farther the thread goes the more irrational the argument:
Tom Holub: "not having to fix the seat pays for itself, the first time
I'd
have to fix the seat."
Tom forgot that this is a thread in a RECREATIONAL unicycling forum. The
way I have my seat setup, I can litterally change any part within 5
minutes. Really. 5 minutes.
Not only does that make Tom's time extremely expensive, but it contrasts
the fact that he is on FREE TIME when doing unicycling related things.
Insult to all of our intelligences, I must say. Tom goes on to imply
that having a carbon fiber frame means being "maintainence free." That
is far from the truth:
1. Tom forgets you have to drill your own holes to a certain size AND
file those holes - which takes more time than slapping together parts
that already work together.
2. Tom omits the fact that according to unicycle.com, I'm the only one
who would have matched the Kris Holm foam (specifically) to the carbon
fiber frame/GB4 upgrade. That means a lot of people are running custom
variations (like the air seat) that take much more time to set up.
3. Finally, Tom omits the fact that unicycle maintainence is PART OF THE
SPORT. You are going to have to pump up tires, tighten bolts, change
components, shop, dream, design, modify parts of your unicycle. To say
that taking 5 minutes to replace the seat is burdensome is . . . .
4. Finally, Tom omits the fact that something CAN go wrong with the CF
frame. For example, those holes that are drilled and filed - well, they
could wear lose (expecially if you have a tendency like me to over
tighten things).
Not gonna happen with 1/4 thick steel - you're more likely to snap the
bolt or strip the threads.
Time being Tom's only consideration leaves me to assume the remaining
points were, well, common sense.
john_childs: "A stiff seat meant better acceleration off the line. And
that would mean the difference between winning and losing some races."
Unicycling is not that serious. Unicycle Racing isn't even an Olympic
sport, (where this type of thing would matter) is it? Also, it raises
the question about how many unicycling races were lost by a fraction of
a second. Need more speed, get more skill, eat a better breakfast,
change your tire pressure, change the tire, have a "good" day - but
change the frame of your seat? That is in the same catagory as sanding
the paint off of your unicycle so that it is lighter.
john_childs: "I am not Max or others who have broken the back end of the
seat, but I can see this as being an issue for hardcore Trials riders.
The gusset method can be applied to the back end as well."
It was noted that Ryan broke a CF frame. If he replaced that seat frame
with carbon fiber it will take twice as much time AND more than twice as
much money.
Finally, some unicyclist run "seat post shock absorbers" to dampen
bumps. The minimal flex (which I haven't felt at 250 pounds) is in line
with the use of shock absorbers and lower tire pressure. Think about it:
you need a extremely stiff seat, covered by an extremely CUSHY
innertube? That is not logical in anyway whatsoever. It is like the "pea
under the mattress story (Princess and the Pea). How can you feel the
seat flex under AIR?
Contrarily, ultra stiff seats would be inline with:
1. Not using any padding whatsoever.
2. Using extremely high air pressure in the tire.
3. Not using a seat post shock absorber.
john_childs: "The situation back then was quite different from now. Back
then the CF seat base made a lot of sense. Now is a different story."
Enough said.
--
ChangingLINKS.com - member
Wishing you Happiness, Joy and Laughter,
Drew Brown
http://www.ChangingLINKS.com
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